Dave Coldwell was the happiest man in Manchester’s AO Arena last month. After watching Lerrone Richards become European champion with a skillful display against Italian veteran Giovanni De Carolis, Coldwell couldn’t hide his delight as his man stuck to the plan to become continental ruler.

Coldwell has long boasted about Richards’ talents and those qualities received wide exposure last weekend. 

“The best thing for a coach is when a fighter listens,” beamed Coldwell afterwards. “Lerrone has been working hard in the gym in preparation for this fight and the strategy we worked on is exactly what he produced on the night. When a fighter takes everything you say onboard then goes out there and does it, the feeling is absolutely massive.” 

Coldwell added, “Lerrone has really put himself out there with that victory over De Carolis. I’ve said previously that I fancy him to reach the highest level and I’m hoping he now puts in even more work to take that next step. The 12st scene is red hot at the moment and there’s plenty of opportunities out there for Lerrone. I've always said that if he goes all out and expresses himself fully in the ring, he can go to the very top."